, infinitely weary voice, 'I think I
should marry again.' It was the same wavering, faintly ironical voice
that had slightly discomposed Dr Simon that same morning.

'"Marry again"!' exclaimed incredulously the full lips in the
looking-glass. 'Who?'

'YOU, dear!'

Sheila turned softly round, conscious in a most humiliating manner that
she had ever so little flushed.

Her husband was pouring out his tea, unaware, apparently, of her change
of position. She watched him curiously. In spite of all her reason, of
her absolute certainty, she wondered even again for a moment if this
really could be Arthur. And for the first time she realised the power
and mastery of that eager and far too hungry face. Her mind seemed to
pause, fluttering in air, like a bird in the wind. She hastened rather
unsteadily to the door.

'Will you want anything more, do you think, for an hour?' she asked.

Her husband looked up over his little table. 'Is Alice going with you?'

'Oh yes; poor child, she looks so pale and miserable. We are going to
Mrs Sherwin's, and then on to Church. You will lock your door?'

'Yes, I will lock my door.'

'And I do hope Arthur--nothing rash!'

A change, that seemed almost the effect of actual shadow, came over his
face. 'I wish you could stay with me,' he said slowly. 'I don't think
you have any idea what--what I go through.'

It was as if a child had asked on the verge of terror for a candle in
the dark. But an hour's terror is better than a lifetime of timidity.
Sheila sighed.

'I think,' she said, 'I too might say that. But there; giving way will
do nothing for either of us. I shall be gone only for an hour, or two
at the most. And I told Mr Bethany I should have to come out before the
sermon: it's only Mr Craik.'

'But why Mrs Sherwin? She'd worm a secret out of one's grave.'

'It's useless to discuss that, Arthur; you have always consistently
disliked my friends. It's scarcely likely that you would find any
improvement in them now.'

'Oh, well--' he began. But the door was already closed.

'Sheila!' he called in a burst of anger.

'Well, Arthur?'

'You have taken my latchkey.'

Sheila came hastily in again. 'Your latchkey?'

'I am going out.'

'"Going out!"--you will not be so mad, so criminal; and after your
promise!'

He stood up. 'It is useless to argue. If I do not go out, I shall
certainly go mad. As for criminal--why, that's a woman's word. Who on
earth is to know me?'

'It i